Danny Cipriani is set to team up with some big names in rugby this weekend for Ed Slater’s Clash of the Codes, a charity ‘745 Game’ between rugby union and league stars.
RUCK’s Autumn Nations Series coverage is proudly powered by the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, dedicated to creating a world free of MND. Join the the fight against MND here.
The event, created by Slater and the late Rob Burrow, aims to raise vital funds for motor neurone disease research.
“Excited to play in this hybrid game,” Cipriani shared on Instagram. “Unify the codes for some special men.”
So, who’s joining Cipriani in this cross-code contest? He’ll lead a union squad featuring some serious firepower, including former England captain Tom Wood and Lions legends Tom Youngs and Richard Hibbard, both of whom helped the Lions win the 2013 series in Australia.
Here’s a full rundown of the squads:
Union Squad:
Alex Waller, Andy Forsyth, Anthony Allen, Billy Twelvetrees, Ethan Waller, Danny Cipriani, Dom Waldouck, Finlay Stewart, Geordan Murphy, Graham Kitchener, Guy Thompson, Joe Simpson, Josh Matavesi, Johne Murphy, Kian Stewart, Kyle Trainer, Lee Dickson, Matt Banahan, Matt Cornwell, Matt Garvey, Michael Holford, Micky Young, Paddy McAllister, Phil Dowson, Richard Hibbard, Tom Cruse, Tommy Bell, Tom Youngs, Tom Wood, Tom Johnson.
League Squad:
Aaron Murphy, Adrian Morley, Anthony Thackeray, Ben Westwood, Bob Beswick, Danny McGuire, Danny Brough, Darrell Griffin, Ewan Downs, Gareth Ellis, Gary Connolly, Jacques O’Neill, Keith Senior, Kyle Wood, Kyle Leuluai, Luke Ambler, Luke Gale, Matt Diskin, Paul McShane, Ryan Atkins, Scott Murrell, Tom Mines, Wayne Goodwin, Wayne Price.
It’s shaping up to be a cracker – with rugby’s best from both codes coming together for a worthy cause.
Tickets are still available at tickets.therhinos.co.uk or by calling 0371 4523 1315. Funds raised will be divided between the Rob Burrow Discretionary Fund, 4ED and My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
The proud Rugby WAGs who’ll cheer on England this Autumn – including model, clothing store owner and restauranteur
When England’s Rugby team clashes with New Zealand in the Autumn Nations Series opener, all eyes won’t just be on the players.
Off the field, the players’ wives and girlfriends (rugby WAGs) are a source of strength and style, with a few glamorous details of their own.
Katie George – Jamie George’s Partner in Life
Katie and Jamie George have been a power couple for years. The Saracens hooker wed Katie in 2020 after six years of dating, with teammate Elliot Daly standing as best man. Their love story is a strong one, showing a deep bond and unwavering support for each other.
Mimi Fall – Maro Itoje’s Fiancée
The towering Maro Itoje recently put a ring on it! The 30-year-old popped the question on a holiday to Nigeria, and his now-fiancée, Mimi Fall, said yes.
Known for being private, Maro shared the news with fans through Mimi’s Instagram, where England teammate Marcus Smith was quick to congratulate the happy couple.
Mimi is not only a model but also an artist, and she and Maro first met while modelling together.
Megan Slade – Henry Slade’s Wife and Businesswoman
Henry Slade and his wife, Megan, tied the knot in 2022, and they share two beautiful children.
Megan runs a children’s fashion line, Olive & Bud, known for high-quality basics with soft, earthy color palettes, co-founded with another new mum.
This Devon-based brand is gaining popularity, and Megan is as hands-on in her business as she is with her family.
Atdhetare Hoxha – George Ford’s Resilient Partner
England fly-half George Ford is riding high in life, not only on the field but also at home, with his wife Atdhetare and their new baby.
Atdhetare has an inspiring journey, arriving in the UK as a child refugee from Kosovo. Driven by passion, she opened her own Italian restaurant, Sorella, in Saddleworth in 2020, bringing her love for food to life after overcoming a challenging past.
Her resilience is a source of strength for George.
Beth Dolling – Marcus Smith’s Glamorous Girlfriend
The Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith has been dating model and singer Beth Dolling since 2019, and the pair regularly give fans a glimpse into their romance on social media.
Beth, who’s worked with M MODELS MANAGEMENT and appeared in campaigns for PrettyLittleThing, has over 35,000 followers on Instagram.
She’s also an aspiring singer, sharing clips of her vocals on a separate Instagram account, described simply as “Just some girl that likes to sing.”